Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Fishin' the blizzard

“Wind and snow blowing sideways I cast out and WHAM, big brown…big as a pirate’s peg leg and angry as all get out…” The yarn unfolds as my voice clamors on. For no good reason I love to exaggerate weather conditions even more than fish size. The weather wasn’t exactly a blizzard but after a few beers it just might be the worst storm I have ever seen.

(Above: Feet and hands shoved in freezing water for a big fish in blizzard conditions. Must fish.)

The moments are rare when I stick the landing on a large fish. More often than not my hands will make that crucial mistake at the worst possible time costing me the best catch of the day. However there are times when I get lucky and a decent fish comes to the hand. Thankfully there was just enough luck left in the bag to land this fish.

Normally I shorebang this stretch for small fish or nothing but on a sun shine only on a dog’s butt day I practically dive right in it seems. Both feet, both hands in the drink I somehow pull off a beauty solo photo op. Then cast at least four or five more times before reality and frostbite set in completely.

“…Didn’t need a net. I just picked the fish up with my hands after swimming around with it for a while.”

@Bill Trussell: Usually when I give the details folks come out of the woodwork to tell me how scandalous my fishing game is. Truth be told: 7’ medium action, 6lb line with the yellow\brown spinner bug. Drove home and tipped a few brews.

@TexWisGirl: It’s the wind that gets me more than anything. I stayed out there for a while, half of which was done in wet shoes. These are the moments where joy and discomfort go hand in hand.

@Rebecca: Oh wow…I mean, um. Hello there. Um. This would be a great time for me to think of something brilliantly clever. Greatly honored that you stopped by. Huge fan of OBN by the way and um...I probably would have gone in for a smaller fish as well.

@Daniel: Thanks, man! Not too shabby. This sort of thing doesn’t happen to me all of the time but it happens just enough to keep me trying.

@Shoreman: Good to see you. It is just this sort of thing that makes my shameless bragging completely intolerable. Almost lost the new camera in the swift drink on this one. Again.

Great post! Every time i read a story about fishing in cold weather, I am reminded of a time I stepped in a hole 1' deeper than I thought it was in my hippers. I was three miles walking into Waterton Canyon on single digit temperature day. Take aways: I never fish in the cold without a change of dry cloths handy in a dry bag back pack, The hippers now belong to my son.

I am sure ready for Waterton Canyon to open back up. I miss my old friend!

@Gary Thompson: Thank you so much for the comment, Gary. As soon as that canyon strip is open, I am there. My calls to Denver Water with attempts at bribery have failed. Patience is my only avenue to reach that place…hopefully in 2012.

@Mel, I am always grateful when you stop by. “Decorating your soul” is a brilliant statement. As usual I am greatly impressed by your words. Wishing the best to you and yours in 2012.

Don’t be shy with the comments folks. As we approach the end of the year I am launching a new effort to rejuvenate my posting and winter fishing. Your patronage and participation is greatly appreciated.

About Me

Hello, my name is Matt and I’m a fishaholic. Fishing is more than a recreational sport for me it is an obsession. On the water or at its edge my quest is for the ultimate in the quality fishing experience. Sometimes that means an isolated puddle of water with big fish or those glorious days when the fish seem to just jump in the boat. Maybe it is how the sunlight sparkles off the water and makes this crazy world all fall back into perspective. At least for the moment it does.
This journal will hopefully allow others to share in my fishing adventures, endless rants and shameless bragging. Thank you for stopping by.